A quick scan of pharmacy shelves illustrates that manufacturers view confectionery applications as ideal methods for delivering functional ingredients.

The new varieties join the existing line of Veggie Bowls, including Rancheros, Buddha, Burrito, Ramen Soup, "Fried Rice" and Pad Thai Bowls.

The new variety is a chocolate cake donut covered in a chocolatey fudge.

The snacks include an amount of tortilla chips for nourishment without worrying about portion control.

Chilly Cow ice cream is available in half-pint portion sizes that never exceed 190 calories, sold in convenient packages of two.

Duncan Hines®, a portfolio brand of Pinnacle Foods Inc., is introducing Duncan Hines Perfect Size for 1, a broad line of freshly-baked indulgent treats prepared in the microwave in only about a minute.  

A report from Packaged Facts finds more and more Americans eating smaller portions of food more frequently throughout the day, and the report notes “universal agreement in the food industry that this megatrend is here to stay.”

The nation’s obesity crisis obviously has any number of root causes, but one of them is definitely a widespread misunderstanding of portion sizes.

In the area of convenience meals and processed meats, health and nutrition proved a solid selling point in 2012, as developers refined formulations and consumers turned to in-home dining in the midst of a challenging economy.